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How To Choose The Right Type of Razor

Feb 23, 2017

Back to Basics

Whether you’re sporting a full beard, a clean shave, or something in-between, shaving is a part of your life. For some, it is a meticulous ritual, a proud men’s grooming tradition to be enjoyed. For others it may be more of a tiresome chore. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, we’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide to help you figure out what works best for you.

You’ve got plenty of options to choose from when selecting the best shaving tools for the job. Depending on what style of shave you want, there are some important factors to consider, such as skin type, hair type and comfort-level. We’ve turned to our top shaving experts over at Baxter Finley Barber & Shop for their take on which of the 4 classic shavers best fits your personal lifestyle.

Cartridge Razors

We’re not gonna lie, this isn’t exactly our favorite but we completely understand the appeal. Also known as the “disposable razor,” shaving by way of a cartridge razor is the most common men’s shaving method today. They typically feature a solid handle attached to a replicable cartridge that has multiple blades.

Best for: Getting the job done, quick & dirty when you’re travelling, at the gym or just pressed for time. Works for all skin types and for those who want to look clean-shaven for most of the day.

Pros:

Offers quick and easy shaving with less chances of knicks and cuts

Very travel-friendly

You can pretty much find replacement cartridges anywhere generic men’s shaving products are sold

Cons:

The blades dull quickly and the cost of replacement cartridge packs can really add up

The fact of the matter is they don’t offer the closest shave possible, which means you’ll have to shave more often

If you think triple-plus blades are better, think again. Added blades may cut hairs the first ones miss, but they’re also scraping against your skin multiple times, increasing the chances of razor burn, bumps and in-grown hairs

Electric Razors

Depending on your needs, this handy advance in men’s shaving technology works well for the gentleman on-the-go. Most are battery-powered these days while some still feature a plug-in cord, but don’t take those ones in the shower with you.

Best For: Anyone looking for speed and comfort over closeness and precision. Good for all skin types and if you’re looking to maintain a small amount of scruff.

Pros:

They’re fast and efficient at cleaning up a Five O’clock shadow and for quick touchups.

They dramatically reduce your shaving time.

The blades may need a little maintenance with lubricating oil (usually included), they’ll typically last longer than cartridge razors.

Cons:

Make no mistake, it offers the least closest shave of all men’s shaving tools, even the high-end ones don’t come close to other shaving methods.

These babies will set you back with the highest up-front cost of any shaving method.

Even among the best models, irritation and in-grown hairs are common.

Safety Razors

We may be a little biased, but bear with us. This classic men’s shaving tool offers up superior closeness and affordability. Most likely it’s what Dad used and his Dad before him back in the day but thanks to its simple design and undeniable efficiency, it’s been making a huge comeback. It features a solid handle and one replaceable blade held in-place by a removable casing.

Best For: A patient and meticulous shaver rituals and value precision and neatness when shaving. Good for all skin types including sensitive.

Pros:

Double-edged safety razor blades are readily available and for affordable than cartridge razor replacements.

Delivers a much closer shave than cartridge and electric razors without causing as much irritation.

One pass of the single blade per facial area is typically all you need, this cuts down drastically on irritation making it great for sensitive skin types.

Straight Razor

The original men’s shaving tool, this timeless classic never goes out of style. It features a solid handle with a fold-out single blade.

Best For: Expert shavers and professional barbers who want a closest shave possible.

Pros:

Delivers the closest shave of the for men’s razors.

With the proper care, this baby can last you a lifetime, making it the last razor you’ll ever need.

You can’t help but look like a badass shaving with this.

Cons:

A quality straight razor might set you back with a higher up-front cost than even an electric shaver but it’s a good investment in the long run.

The sharpness of the straight razor’s blade needs to be maintained with a leather strop which is an added expense.

This razor’s definitely not for the faint of heart. If you’re not careful you can really cut yourself so there’s definitely a learning curve. We recommend consulting with your barber.

So there you have it, hopefully this helps you narrow down which shaving tool is the right fit for you. Each has their merits and their drawbacks, some more than others. If you’re after a truly complete and gratifying shaving experience, consider a safety or straight razor for that top-notch closeness and precision.